Joe Benson | Outfielder

Latest News

Recent News

Mets signed OF Joe Benson to a minor league contract.

Benson was released by the Braves in mid-June after hitting just .246/.346/.331 with no homers at Triple-A Gwinnett. He'll look to get his career back on track at Double-A Binghampton. Jul 17 - 6:13 PM

Benson nearly made the Opening Day roster with a strong showing in spring training but then went on to hit just .246/.346/.331 with no homers at Triple-A Gwinnett. The 27-year-old will now try to catch on elsewhere. Jun 19 - 5:57 PM

The former Twins prospect was in a battle down to the wire to earn a reserve outfielder spot on the team's Opening Day roster. He'll provide additional depth at Triple-A Gwinnett and should get an opportunity with the Braves at some point during the upcoming season. Apr 4 - 1:16 PM

Joe Benson went 4-for-5 and delivered a walk-off RBI single in Thursday's win over the Orioles.

All four of Benson's hits were singles, but hey, he'll take it. The former Twins prospect could be playing his way onto the team, as he homered off of Cole Hamels Wednesday and now has seven hits in 17 at-bats this spring. Apr 2 - 9:48 PM

Depth Charts

Mets placed OF Michael Cuddyer on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 22, with a left knee injury.

The Mets held out as long as they could with Cuddyer, but the veteran outfielder's knee just wasn't getting any better. It's unclear at this point how long he might be sidelined. Michael Conforto has been called up to take Cuddyer's roster spot and will also take over as the regular left fielder.

Matz won't be throwing for at least three weeks. He'll be reevaluated at that point, but if the muscle hasn't healed, his rehab could be pushed beyond that three-week mark. Jonathan Niese will start in his place against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Rafael Montero (shoulder) had some stiffness after his latest throwing session and is expected to see a doctor.

It's not clear if this is routine discomfort or a more serious setback. Montero was recently shifted from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list, though that doesn't necessarily affect his timetable.

Jon Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Reds have interest in acquiring Zack Wheeler.

It's unclear if there have been any substantive talks between the two clubs, but Jay Bruce could fill the Mets need for an outfield bat. It's unclear what else the Reds would have to part with to make a deal work though.

Major League Baseball has suspended RHP Jenrry Mejia 162 games for a second positive PED test.

Mejia tested positive for Stanozolol and Boldenone. The reliever just returned from an 80-game ban three weeks ago and inexplicably was busted again. The Mets' acquisition of Tyler Clippard looks even bigger now.

The hope is that he'll get the green light to resume throwing at that time. Blevins has been sidelined since mid-April with a distal radius fracture of his left arm, but he could make an impact in the Mets' bullpen down the stretch.